Mesa 1x12 cab or Engl 1x12 combo speaker

[lyonk55]

Hi folks! I'm seriously considering picking up one of the 25w Mesa heads and had a quick question about speakers for them. Obviously, Mesa makes a mini-recto cab, which is closed back with a Vintage 30. But I already have and Engl Screamer combo: open backed with a V12-80. How well do you think that would work with it?

[Toe-Knee]

Hi folks! I'm seriously considering picking up one of the 25w Mesa heads and had a quick question about speakers for them. Obviously, Mesa makes a mini-recto cab, which is closed back with a Vintage 30. But I already have and Engl Screamer combo: open backed with a V12-80. How well do you think that would work with it?

It wont be as tight with the open back combo as a cab.

Rectos ideally need a closed back cab & a boost otherwise they're pretty flabby sounding. But what I would do is try it with your current setup and see how you like it?

Then again if you are looking at the mkV 25 thats a whole other ballpark.

[lyonk55]

From the descriptions, I'm leading towards the Mark V, but the only one I've had a go on so far is the Rectoverb combo. Going to try them out sometime this week hopefully.

The problem with trying it with the Engl speaker is actually getting it there: I'm a bit of a trek from Glasgow and stuck with public transport.

[Alex]

I've liked the Mark V demos more. It seems to have more EQ as well which - my opinion - is very useful with these small EL84-based amps.
I almost bought the Mini Rectifier, but I settled on the ENGL Ironball in the end. I don't regret my decision at all. For high gain and channel switching amps there is only the Mesas, the Engls and the Hughes & Kettners.

[Toe-Knee]

I've liked the Mark V demos more. It seems to have more EQ as well which - my opinion - is very useful with these small EL84-based amps.
I almost bought the Mini Rectifier, but I settled on the ENGL Ironball in the end. I don't regret my decision at all. For high gain and channel switching amps there is only the Mesas, the Engls and the Hughes & Kettners.

And the Ironheart studio.

https://soundcloud.com/boyes/laney-ironheart-studio

[Toe-Knee]

From the descriptions, I'm leading towards the Mark V, but the only one I've had a go on so far is the Rectoverb combo. Going to try them out sometime this week hopefully.

The problem with trying it with the Engl speaker is actually getting it there: I'm a bit of a trek from Glasgow and stuck with public transport.

One thing you will need with the MK is a thick big sounding cab.

By nature the mk series are very bright and nasal unless paired up with the right cab. They have masses of low end too but its horrible bloaty low end unless you virtually completely cut it in the tonestack and then add it back in with the GEQ. The mids are opposite you need them pretty high in the tonestack then cut in the GEQ to stop it being honky or hollow.

[Alex]

I've liked the Mark V demos more. It seems to have more EQ as well which - my opinion - is very useful with these small EL84-based amps.
I almost bought the Mini Rectifier, but I settled on the ENGL Ironball in the end. I don't regret my decision at all. For high gain and channel switching amps there is only the Mesas, the Engls and the Hughes & Kettners.

And the Ironheart studio.

https://soundcloud.com/boyes/laney-ironheart-studio

I actually had that one first, but I exchanged it then for the ENGL. I didn't like the rhythm sounds on the Laney. Somehow they lacked the definition and crispness and always felt too bassy and warm. I think it might be EL84s in there, the big Ironheart sound drier and more defined on the low end.

[Toe-Knee]

I've liked the Mark V demos more. It seems to have more EQ as well which - my opinion - is very useful with these small EL84-based amps.
I almost bought the Mini Rectifier, but I settled on the ENGL Ironball in the end. I don't regret my decision at all. For high gain and channel switching amps there is only the Mesas, the Engls and the Hughes & Kettners.

And the Ironheart studio.

https://soundcloud.com/boyes/laney-ironheart-studio

I actually had that one first, but I exchanged it then for the ENGL. I didn't like the rhythm sounds on the Laney. Somehow they lacked the definition and crispness and always felt too bassy and warm. I think it might be EL84s in there, the big Ironheart sound drier and more defined on the low end.

I agree with you on that. Initially I was a little underwhelmed so whipped all the valves out and it completely changed into a different beast. My main issue on it though was that the USB recording had massive latency problems.

[lyonk55]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Predictably, as soon as I get a chance to go and try stuff they're out of stock of Mark Vs.